Pest control

Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, pest animals are not defined by species. Pest species can be considered as any species (other than native species) that present a biosecurity threat.

While the Act does not define pest animals, there are specific activities that are permitted under the biosecurity order (permitted activities) that would otherwise be prohibited (such as keeping exotic animals in captivity).

It is the responsibility of individuals to ensure they discharge their general biosecurity duty to manage the biosecurity risks posed by pest animals. However, the transition into the new Biosecurity Act is still underway for pest animals.

This means that until mid-2018, the Pest Control Orders under the Local Land Services Act 2013 are still in force. As such, under the Local Land Services Act 2013 all land managers in NSW, whether on public or private land, have an obligation to control declared pest species on their land.

Draft regional strategic pest animal management plans

The NSW Government is taking a regional approach to pest animal management through the development of regional strategic pest animal management plans.

The plans highlight priority pest animals and outline how government agencies, community groups and individual landholders will share responsibility and work together to prevent, eradicate, contain and manage the impacts of pest animals.

Each of the 11 regional plans have been developed collaboratively through regional pest animal committees and alongside Local Land Services to establish strategies and actions that achieve goals that focus on shared responsibility for pest animal management, sustainable landscapes and collaborative leadership and innovation.

The plans will also guide resource allocation and investment across the state and provide a consistent basis for regional planning and delivery.

The intent of the regional plans is to provide a framework for priority pest animals and management activities to be identified across key stakeholders in pest animal management and all land tenures for a more effective and inclusive method to managing pest animals.

Eleven regional pest animal committees have been formed and are comprised of representatives from major land uses in the region and relevant environment and industry representatives.

Committees have developed draft regional strategic pest animal management plans for each of the 11 local land services regions which identifies priority pest animals and activities in each region.

How we work with land managers

Local Land Services help landholders by providing advice and assistance in eradicating pest species.

We also work with private and government stakeholders to develop vertebrate pest management plans and cooperative management programs.

How biosecurity officers can help

At the local level our biosecurity officers:

provide advice with eradicating declared pest species

coordinate management plans to control vertebrate pests

inspect properties for declared pests and help you to develop a plan to control pest populations

provide advice on controlling nuisance animals – either through group baiting programs (organised with your neighbours) or individual control methods

help you obtain suitable control options

Many biosecurity officers also play a livestock health role, particularly through their role as stock inspectors.

They are responsible for the management of Travelling Stock Reserves in their district and carry out infrastructure maintenance such as fencing, upgrading of watering points, weed control and pest animal control.

They also handle stock movement permits and stock identification.

Biosecurity officers also form part of our rapid response effort in outbreaks such as equine influenza.

Purchasing baits

Local Land Services staff will be able to advise you on purchasing baits such as meat, carrots, grain, pellets, depending on your needs. Local Land Services sell baits to ratepayers on a cost recovery basis.

Joining a group control program

Coordinated group control programs are the most effective method of controlling pest animals across the landscape.

Each year our biosecurity officers coordinate hundreds of group programs using a variety of control methods. Landholders are encouraged to participate through newsletters, field days and other promotions.

To find out more about group control programs in your area contact your local Local Land Services office.

1080 and Pindone course

We run a short training course regularly which allow you to use 1080 and Pindone baits on your property.

The three-hour course will give landholders a clear understanding of 1080 and Pindone use and their legal obligations.

The AQF chemical application courses remain a requirement for use of any other pesticide.

The training courses are delivered by Local Land Services biosecurity officers and cover topics such as baiting techniques, toxicity, storage, transport, legislation and OH&S. Those completing the course will be issued a certification card and will remain accredited to use 1080 and Pindone for five years.

A small fee is charged for the course.

Any landholder interested in attending the 1080 and Pindone training course should contact their local office for details of when and where courses are being held.